|
Wedding Planning > The
Reception
Planning an Outdoor Wedding
By Leah Steenstra
Is
it your dream to say your vows with nature as a backdrop? An outdoor
wedding can be breathtaking. However,
planning it involves quite a bit of work. Here are some things to
think about...
Where
to Have It
First
you need to decide where you want your outdoor wedding…. scenic
landmarks, historic estates, parks, the beach or maybe in your own
backyard. All these are
viable options for your big day.
The
Comfort of Your Guests
-
Consider
including a note in the invitations to inform your guests what
to expect. (i.e. wear comfortable shoes, bring an extra sweater,
bring sunscreen)
-
Think
about the bug factor. You
might want to hire an exterminator to lay down insecticide
before your wedding day. Another
option is using decorated citronella torches in your wedding décor.
-
Before
your wedding day, be sure to visit the site at the same time
of day as your ceremony.
Check to make sure that your guests won’t be blinded by
the sun and that the sun won’t make it too hot to sit
comfortably. If
your ceremony is in the summer, your guests will likely
appreciate being placed under the shade of a tree or a canopy.
Your
Comfort
-
Don’t
wear high heels. If
the ground is soft, you will be sinking into it!
-
Consider
purchasing a dress without a train.
As you walk on the grass, your train will pick up some
dirt. If you have
your heart set on a train, make sure you line the aisle with a
runner to minimize this tendency.
Facilities
-
Do
you have enough bathrooms?
Even if you are having the wedding at a home, you may
still need to rent port-a-potties.
Some of you may be cringing right now, but you’d be
surprised how far port-a-potties have come.
-
They
now have port-a-potties that are specifically designed for
weddings and special events.
They’re available in pink and blue colors (his and
hers) and come with a sink, vanity and mirror.
Add some fresh flowers or decorations and some perfumed
hand soap.
-
Will
you need a microphone and lighting?
If you are having an outdoor wedding, chances are there
won’t be electrical outlets hidden in the trees.
If you are having a large wedding, a microphone that
doesn’t need to be plugged into an outlet will be needed.
Talk to your band or DJ and plan accordingly.
-
Do
guests have a place to park?
If parking is tight, you might want to hire valets for
the event. Another
option is to instruct guests to park in a local parking lot and
shuttle them over. Many
limo companies rent trolleys - this could be a romantic way to
get them over to your site.
-
Do
you need a permit? If
you are getting married in a public park or beach, you may need
a permit. Make sure
you check on this, as it would be a shame if the police decided
to crash your wedding.
-
Are
you allowed to serve alcohol?
Some towns have rules about the consumption of alcohol in
public places.
Back
Up Plan
Every
bride wants a perfect "sunny" day for their wedding day --
but you've got to be prepared just in case. So, it’s a good idea
to rent a big enough tent (or tents) that everyone could sit under
in case of rain.
|
